Steam announced a special promotion allowing players to add three free games to their libraries until July 17, 2025, at 2 PM. Battlestar Galactica Deadlock, Fantasy General II: Invasion, and Field of Glory II: Medieval are available at no cost, covering genres like space strategy, tactical fantasy, and historical battles. The initiative, promoted by Valve in partnership with studios like Slitherine Ltd., aims to attract new players and highlight acclaimed titles. To claim, simply access the platform, add the games to your account, and keep them permanently. The limited-time promotion reinforces Steam’s strategy of offering diverse experiences, catering to fans of space narratives and medieval history enthusiasts alike.
The opportunity to acquire free games is rare on the platform, which typically focuses on seasonal discounts. Unlike Epic Games, known for weekly offers, Steam relies on publishers’ decisions, making this promotion particularly special. The selected titles are ideal for players seeking tactical challenges and immersive narratives.
Just two more days left – if you were holding off on anything, now's the time to make your choice.
— Steam (@Steam) July 8, 2025
Be sure to admire the rad art from Tim Peacock before it goes away on Thursday at 10am!https://t.co/4TuWeBEkZO https://t.co/ILmjmJJyM9
- Battlestar Galactica Deadlock: command the Colonial Fleet in space battles.
- Fantasy General II: Invasion: lead barbarian clans in a fantasy world.
- Field of Glory II: Medieval: recreate medieval wars with historical accuracy.
Below, learn more about each game and why this promotion is unmissable.
Details of the steam promotion
Steam’s promotion, launched on July 10, 2025, caught many players by surprise. Unlike major seasonal sales like the Summer Sale, this offer allows adding the three titles to the library at no cost, provided they are claimed before the deadline. The initiative is a collaboration between Valve and publisher Slitherine Ltd., known for its strategy games.
Each game was carefully chosen to appeal to different audiences. Battlestar Galactica Deadlock attracts sci-fi fans, while Fantasy General II: Invasion targets fantasy enthusiasts. Field of Glory II: Medieval is perfect for history buffs. The promotion also aligns with a peak activity period on the platform, with increased player engagement during mid-year holidays.
Players only need an active Steam account and internet access to secure the titles. Once claimed, the games remain linked to the account permanently, even after the offer ends.
Battlestar galactica deadlock: space strategy
Battlestar Galactica Deadlock transports players to the First Cylon War, a central conflict in the TV series’ universe. As Admiral Lucinda Cain, the player manages the Colonial Fleet, building ships, planning strategies, and facing Cylons in tactical battles. The game blends turn-based strategy with real-time pauses, allowing precise decisions during combat.
With detailed graphics and an immersive soundtrack, the title recreates the series’ tense atmosphere. Highlights include:
- Progression system with unlockable ships and technologies.
- Multiplayer mode for player-versus-player battles.
- Cinematic replay feature to review strategies.
Released in 2017 by Black Lab Games, the game earned positive reviews, with 86% favorable ratings on Steam based on thousands of reviews. Its tactical depth and fidelity to the original universe make it an ideal choice for sci-fi fans.
Fantasy general II: tactical fantasy in aer
Fantasy General II: Invasion is a reimagining of the 1990s classic, bringing turn-based tactical combat set in the fictional world of Aer. Players assume the role of a barbarian clan leader, facing the powerful Empire in battles requiring planning and adaptation. Developed by Owned by Gravity and published by Slitherine Ltd., the game launched in 2019 and holds 81% positive reviews on Steam.
The main campaign focuses on the Fareach clans’ resistance against imperial oppression. Each decision impacts troop development, with the loss of experienced units posing a significant risk. The game features over 75 unit types, including:
- Barbarian warriors, such as berserkers and spearmaidens.
- Mystical creatures like trolls, centaurs, and dragons.
- Customizable heroes with unique abilities.
Diverse terrains, such as forests, swamps, and mountains, add strategic layers, requiring players to adapt tactics to each scenario.
Field of glory II: medieval and the high middle ages
Field of Glory II: Medieval is a standout in the promotion, offering a historical strategy experience set between 1040 and 1270 AD. Developed by Byzantine Games, the game is a digital adaptation of the Field of Glory tabletop system by Richard Bodley Scott. With 85% positive reviews on Steam, it is praised for its historical accuracy and tactical depth.
Players can command armies from 29 nations, including French, English, Mongols, and Teutons, in battles recreating conflicts like Hastings (1066) and Kalka River (1223). The game includes:
- Over 100 animated units with historical detail.
- Sandbox campaigns for custom battles.
- Morale and troop progression system.
Beyond historical battles, the title allows “what-if” scenarios, such as a clash between Scandinavians and Mongols. Asynchronous multiplayer via Slitherine’s PBEM server is another draw, enabling prolonged matches against other players.
How to claim the games
Claiming the games is straightforward but requires attention to the deadline. Until July 17 at 2 PM, players can visit each game’s Steam page and click “Add to Library.” No purchases or subscriptions are required.
Steam provides official game pages accessible via the platform’s client or browser. It’s advisable to check minimum system requirements, especially for Battlestar Galactica Deadlock, which requires a DirectX 11-compatible graphics card.
Why the promotion is special
Free game offers on Steam are less frequent than on competing platforms like the Epic Games Store. This promotion underscores Valve’s strategy to keep the platform relevant in a competitive market. The choice of strategy games, a niche genre, also reflects a commitment to diverse audiences.
The three titles offer complete experiences without mandatory microtransactions, increasing the offer’s value. Additionally, permanent claim rights ensure players can enjoy the games later, even if not played immediately.
Community reacts to the offer
The promotion sparked significant buzz among players, with thousands of claims in the first hours. Forums and social media recorded positive feedback, particularly about Field of Glory II: Medieval, which many see as an entry point to historical wargames.
Players also highlighted the chance to try Battlestar Galactica Deadlock, which, though less known, offers a robust experience for sci-fi fans. The variety of genres was another praised aspect, with Fantasy General II: Invasion appealing to both veterans and newcomers to tactical fantasy.
Benefits for new players
For those new to Steam or exploring new genres, this promotion is an opportunity to access high-quality games at no cost. The titles offer hours of gameplay, with extensive campaigns and multiplayer modes ensuring longevity.
Field of Glory II: Medieval is ideal for learning medieval tactics, while Fantasy General II: Invasion appeals to players interested in epic narratives. Battlestar Galactica Deadlock is perfect for those seeking strategic space combat.
Deadline and recommendations
The July 17 deadline is critical, as the games will no longer be free after this date. Players are advised to claim the titles even if they don’t plan to play immediately, as permanent access is guaranteed.
To maximize enjoyment, exploring the games’ Steam communities is recommended, offering guides, tips, and mods to enhance the experience. Field of Glory II: Medieval, for instance, has an active community creating custom campaigns and scenarios.
